Tensions were high in the region in yesterday’s papers, whether it was about dog ordinances or fights in school. These excerpts are from 2014, 2010, 2003, 1989 and 1986.

March 4, 2014

Change made to vicious dog ordinance

The Lafayette County Board of Supervisors approved an amendment to the vicious dog ordinance the board created this past December.

The amendment states the Oxford-Lafayette Humane Society will assist with some of the vicious animal calls and will be reimbursed.

OLHS will provide help on a per-call basis and receive $200 per assist call on a vicious animal complaint, $25 for initial impoundment documentation and $15 per day for impound boarding fee.

Animal owners will pay the expense.

March 5, 2010

Author John Grisham, others celebrate Hannah’s life, work

As the Oxford Conference for the Book got underway Thursday, University of Mississippi leaders announced three trees will be dedicated in memory of its greats.

The trees also will have a plaque for each of three deceased writers, including one who died this week: Barry Hannah. Also honored will be Josephine Haxton and Willie Morris. All three served as writers-in-residence at the university.

March 7, 2003

OES post office encourages writing

A team of children at Oxford Elementary School begin their days on the job before heading to class.

Children from each of the 34 classrooms spend the first 30 minutes of the school day operating the schools internal postal system as sorters, clerks and carriers.

It’s a five-week employment, and the kids take the job seriously, teachers say, sorting about 300 pieces of mail.

March 3, 1989

Water Valley students sent home

Water Valley schools dismissed early this morning in an effort to avoid potential disturbances between black and white students at the high school.

Racial issues forced the school district to take spring break two weeks early.

Tensions arose during a Black History Month program when white students displayed Confederate flags, a protest ensued and the black players of the football team all quit.

Parents and school administrators are meeting to sort out the issues.

While that takes place, school will be dismissed until March 13.

March 5, 1986

City puts more bite into leash law

Penalties for letting your dogs run loose without a leash increased more than 150 percent with an Oxford Board of Aldermen decision.

Yesterday a person charged for leash law violations would pay $12 on a first offense, $20 for the second and $30 for the third. Now, with a proposal from Police Chief Billy White that was approved, the fines will be $30, $50 and $75 respectively.

“We are trying to encourage people to keep their animals up and obey the laws,” White said.